How To Treat A Urinary Tract Infection

Are you wondering how to treat a urinary tract infection (UTI)? Urinary tract infections are more common in women than men, but men and children can get the infections, too. Urinary tract infections affect the bladder or the urethra. A bladder infection, or cystitis, is caused by Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. Gastrointestinal bacteria causes urethritis, or infections of the urethra. Urinary tract infections are often painful and always annoying. Here are some things you can do to treat and prevent urinary tract infections.

1. Antibiotic Medications. Doctors usually prescribe antibiotics to treat urinary tract infections, especially simple UTIs. Symptoms usually clear up within a few days of antibiotic treatment, but doctors recommend taking the prescribed antibiotics for a week or so, to completely eradicate the infection.
2. Analgesic Medications. Doctors often prescribe analgesics, or pain medications, for the pain associated with urinary tract infections. The analgesic numbs the bladder and urethra, which relieves the burning sensation during urination.
3. Home Testing And Single-Dose Antibiotics. For frequent urinary tract infections, doctors may recommend home urine tests to periodically test urine samples. Single-dose antibiotics are sometimes prescribed for UTIs related to sexual activity, to be taken after intercourse.
4. Hospitalization And Intravenous Treatments. Severe urinary tract infections may require hospitalization. Intravenous antibiotics may be necessary to treat severe UTI symptoms and eradicate the infection.
5. Alternative Medicine. Cranberry juice, believed to have infection-fighting properties, may help prevent urinary tract infections. According to the Mayo Clinic, studies have shown the greatest effect in women with frequent UTIs. Although it can cause upset stomach and diarrhea, it is generally safe to drink unless you take certain blood-thinning medications.
6. Lifestyle Remedies. Drinking lots of water can help with urinary tract infections. Water dilutes urine and flushes out the bacteria that causes UTIs. Avoid drinking coffee, alcohol, and soft drinks with caffeine or citrus juice as these can aggravate the problem. Urinate frequently and fully empty the bladder. And try using a warm heating pad on your abdomen to minimize discomfort.